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The 57-year-old former government minister, who goes by just
a single name, won the CAF presidency by 34 votes to 20 in the
poll, bringing to a surprise end the 29-year tenure of the
70-year-old Hayatou, who is from Cameroon.
The result was greeted by cheers at the CAF Congress as Ahmad
was carried on the shoulders of jubilant supporters to the
podium after the result was announced.
Ahmad, previously minister of sport and minister of fisheries in
his home country, had been given little chance just a month ago
when he announced his candidacy. But he offered voters a fresh
face to a younger generation of soccer association presidents
that have emerged.
Hayatou’s long career in soccer is now at an end, although he is
still an International Olympic Committee member.
"It is not that bad," Hayatou, who was first elected in 1988,
told reporters as he departed the hall.
(Reporting by Mark Gleeson; Editing by Ossian Shine and Gareth
Jones)
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